England prop Genge candidly opens up about navigating a wayward path during his youth and reflects on the unique challenges stemming from his upbringing.
Netflix’s latest documentary, Full Contact, produced by the team behind the highly successful Drive to Survive, delves into the narratives of rugby players and coaches, with a particular emphasis on prominent figures such as Wales’ Louis Rees-Zammit, England’s Owen Farrell and Ellis Genge, Scotland’s Finn Russell, and Ireland’s Johnny Sexton and Andrew Porter.
Genge, hailing from a council estate in Knowle, Bristol, and having attended a comprehensive school, a departure from the norm for English players, shares in Full Contact that he faced brushes with the law, having been arrested “like, five times,” engaging in activities he now hesitates to discuss openly.
Reflecting on his past, Genge acknowledges the influence of “the wrong people” and confesses to grappling with a sense of “imposter syndrome.”
The 28-year-old expresses his enduring feelings of being an outsider, admitting that despite attempting to suppress these emotions for a prolonged period, moments of doubt about his place in the rugby world emerge, especially in the aftermath of defeats.
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NIGEL OWENS SIX NATIONS DREAM XV:
Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia), replaced by Leigh Halfpenny (Wales)
Owens said: “For me, it’s nip and tuck between Halfpenny and Folau, next to nothing to choose between them. Leigh is brilliant because under the high ball and with his kicking at goal under pressure. He may not always break the line when running but puts his body on the line in defence and is a top-notch match-winner.”
Winger: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Owens said: “How can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He’s so exciting as he burst into that line and, of course, was named Six Nations player of the tournament.
“I know he’s a full-back for Scotland, but he is so quick and direct he could easily play on the wing. He reminds me a bit of Shane Williams with some of the things he does.
“When you see who is on the other wing in my team, you’ll see how they would work brilliantly in tandem.”
Outside-centre: Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Owens said: “Not only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he’s a fantastic man off the field as well. O’Driscoll has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a real leader. He always respected referees and set the right example for others to follow.
“A legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch.”
Inside-centre: Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand), replaced by Owen Farrell (England)
Owens praised Farrell as a player on numerous occasions.
On one occasion he wrote: “I can only speak from my own experience of refereeing him and, when I did, he was an excellent captain to deal with.
“I have a huge amount of respect for him as a player and a person. He always knew where the line was with me.
“I would say to him that he could always come and talk to me as long as it was at the right time and in the right tone and he always did that.”
Winger: Shane Williams (Wales)
Owens said: “When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it’s pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I’ve been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.
“But if I’m pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.
“He was in the mould of Gerald Davies in how he left defenders gasping for air as he beat them with those dazzling sidesteps. Nobody would fancy defending against a back three of Shane, Hogg and Folau, I can tell you that.”